Digital Tax Reform: WATAF brought nearly 400 participants from 16 countries to Abuja to modernize Value Added Tax administration, pushing “digital innovation” to boost domestic revenue across West Africa. Guinea-Bissau Research on Crisis: Guinea-Bissau researchers and academics propose a national dialogue and a transitional framework for a Unity Government, with ECOWAS, AU, UN, CPLP and others as international guarantors. Media Freedom Pressure: MFWA urged governments in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Guinea to end arbitrary arrests and prolonged pretrial detention of journalists and civil society actors. Maritime Security Warning (Bissau-linked): A “ghost ship” case involving a Guinea-Bissau departure and AIS silence ended with interception by the Ivory Coast Navy, raising alarms about weak maritime monitoring and territorial protection in the region. Health & Climate: Scientists warn climate change could shift malaria into new areas, with Kenya among countries facing higher transmission risk. Wildlife Conservation: Nigeria’s “Vulture King” highlights how a sacred forest and local practices are helping protect vultures as they vanish elsewhere in West Africa. Travel Policy Shock: A US visa bond program made permanent for 50 countries is linked to an 83% drop in visas issued, with tourism industry fears over possible expansion.